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Wednesday, December 15, 2010

stitched gift wrap

So here is the deal- I don't think I have purchased wrapping paper in years (this is probably not a surprise)! I would never, EVER buy any kind of gift wrap when I can make my own so I am always looking for new ways to wrap holiday gifts. Since sewing has become such a big part of my creative life, I have been experimenting will all kinds of ways to create unique wrapping with stitched surfaces.

Here are some really easy ways to use stitching in your gift wrapping!

A piece of recycled paper bag makes for a great surface to stitch stripes.

Remember all those ideas for crafting with book pages that I posted a couple weeks ago? Well you can also sew on recycled book pages. Stitch a few pages together and stitch all over the surface to create texture.

Create a matching card by layering book pages and paper and sewing them together with a zig zag stitch.

Use fabric (just white muslin) and free motion stitch all over the surface- I created lots of loopy lines. I did not use any interfacing (typically used for stability under the fabric when free motion sewing) because I wanted the fabric to pucker for added texture.

Try stitching on felt- it is colorful and super affordable.

Stitching can also be incorporated into gift tags.

You can purchase a package of tags at office supply stores and transform them into something unique!

Stitch simple doodles on the surface

or even a simple image.

How about filling the surface with a stitched pattern?

You can even stitch fabric to the top of the tag

or create layers with fabric scraps.

Use scraps fabric or painted canvas and cut out simple shapes to create a unique tag.

Use felt and stitching to create leaves that can be added to the surface of a tag.

Take it a step farther and create cards full of stitching by layering scraps of fabric stitched to the surface of a paper card.

Use free motion stitching and write out a simple greeting.

Create cards with lots and LOTS of layers of stitched fabric with a stitched word.

I really want to combine this with the bag idea. Start by free motion embroidery on the felt or muslin & then make a simple bag to 'wrap' the present. Thanks so much for the inspiration. I won't need to find Christmas fabric, I can 'make' my own.

I'm curious about the foot, too. Is that the machine or a special foot? I tried doing this and my thread broke every few stitches. I changed out the thread to something stronger, but it didn't help. What am I doing wrong?

I have included them in a big list of tutorials for wrapping and decorating. You can see it here....http://allysonadeney.wordpress.com/2011/12/13/21-handmade-wrapping-and-decoration-ideas-with-tutorials/... if you like.

Thanks again for sharing!!...and for your beautiful blog.Ally on harrysdesk.

your posts are really fantastic !! the creativity and originality are so present in your work ! I have only one idea : begin to realize a lot of things your have proposed, without sleeping and eating (excuse me for the errors in my english)...

It's 2:30 am in Portugal and I'm still travelling in your blog!You are really amazing!I wish it was Christmas again just to wrap all the presents inspired by you! :)Congratulations on your natural gift!